Is This The Year Bossier’s Seth Lugo Breaks Out?

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It's always awesome to see Shreveport-Bossier folks succeed on the national stage. Doesn't matter if we're talking about in sports like Dak Prescott, locals showing up on shows like the Voice or wherever. It's just awesome to see 'one of us' blow away the competition.

And this season, Bossier native and Centenary grad Seth Lugo is poised for big things. He's been a Major League Baseball player for 7 years now. And when healthy, he's been extremely solid and successful out of the bullpen for the Mets. But, this year, things just feel different.

For the first time in his career, Lugo won't be wearing Mets pinstripes. He'll be suiting up for the San Diego Padres. Also, if things go well, he won't be coming coming out of the bullpen in 2023. He's hoping to once again be a member of a starting rotation.

Why is This Such a Pivotal Year for Seth Lugo?

One of the biggest factors in Seth's decision to leave the Mets is he wanted the opportunity to be a starter. For 5 out of 7 years in New York, Seth has been a bullpen reliever, but he really believes he has the stuff to earn a spot in the starting rotation. As he told MLB.com, "It’s one of the things I’ve been wanting to do for a long time.”

And, of all the teams Seth could have joined, the Padres may be the perfect match. He's got a wicked curve and a competitive spirit. The Padres are a team on the rise, who have spent big money to acquire players they believe can provide depth and help them compete with the Dodgers. It's a perfect match of desire and drive.

And, with the Padres considering using a six man starting rotation to help save pitching arms for a deep playoff run, Seth is poised to be that 5th or 6th man. In a deep and talented rotation, Seth should have plenty of opportunity to prove himself without having to be 'the man'. And, if things go extremely well, he could be pitching deep into the post season.

Could This Be Seth Lugo's Most Successful Year?

The Padres are making moves to be World Series contenders. Their lineup isn't quite the Yankees "Murder's Row"...but they're pretty darn good. And, there should be plenty of run support for pitchers. Seth Lugo has shown flashes of greatness as a starter in limited opportunities with the Mets. But if you go back to the World Baseball Classic in 2017, where Seth was pitching for Puerto Rico, he showed flashes of greatness.

The Padres should be able to provide run support while Seth gets back into the swing of starting games. He has one of the best curveballs in baseball. The 'Swinging Friars' want to be able to save the 3 big rotation arms for when games matter most. You add all that together, Seth should have opportunity and support - the two things you need to see success. He's looked good in Spring Training. So, if he stays healthy, this could be a big, big year.

Could he be an All-Star? Record double digit wins? Who knows. He's only had one year where he's had the opportunity for 10+ starts. Otherwise, he's been a spot starter or used as bullpen relief. What we do know is that he's focused, he's ready and he's in a really good spot to succeed.